Chocolate chess pie is an elegant southern dessert recipe. Rich and decadent are the best two words to describe this classic chess pie from an old family recipe.
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One thing that makes this an easy dessert recipe is that you will use a pre-made pie crust. Hooray for this time-saving ingredient! Honestly, I’ve tried to make a homemade pie crust and it never turns out as good or as pretty as the pre-made so I’m sticking with what I know works best for me. If you have the talent to make your own pie crust, I envy you 🙂
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Old Fashioned Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe
Words can not describe how delicious this chocolate pie is. After baking, the rich creamy chocolate pie filling has a slightly crisp top. This pie turned out great and was a huge hit. I just had to share it with everyone!
I was very pleased to find this old family recipe. Family recipes are sentimental, special treasures. Every time I look at an old recipe card, I vividly remember who that recipe came from and all the wonderful memories.
This recipe uses evaporated milk. I talked about how great this stuff is on a previous recipe post: Family Favorite Stuffed French Bread. It really does make a HUGE difference in the creaminess and richness of a recipe. If for some reason, you can’t find evaporated milk, use whole milk instead.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chess Pie
- Unbaked Pie Shell (1)
- Cocoa (3 Tbsp)
- Sugar (1-1/3 cups)
- Evaporated Milk (5 oz)
- Vanilla (1 tsp)
- Eggs (2)
- Butter (1/2 stick)
- Pinch of Salt
How to Make Chocolate Chess Pie
Start off with a pre-made pie crust (unless you have your own favorite pie crust recipe). Mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a wire whisk until blended well. This mixture will be thin but it’s fine this way. Pour into the pie shell and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.
Trust me, this pie is spectacular all by itself. But if you prefer to “dress it up” I suggest topping it with powdered sugar, whipped cream or ice cream; you’ve got yourself a winning dessert each and every time. Try adding some fresh strawberries or blueberries as well. Awesome with a glass of ice cold milk!
The following are common questions related to Chess Pie
Where did Chess Pie Originate?
According to Portable Press, chess pie originated in the South. According to legend, a cook on a plantation made up this kind of pie (or something very close to it) and was asked what she had made. Her answer: “just pie,” which, delivered in a Southern accent could be misheard as “chess pie.” Full article here.
Does a Chess Pie Need to be Refrigerated?
I would say, yes because of the dairy ingredients. Refrigerate and enjoy for up to 2 days.
Can you Freeze Chess Pie?
You can definitely freeze this pie if you want to make it in advance. The day before you plan to serve it, remove it from the freezer and place in the refrigerator to thaw.
Can I use a Graham Cracker Pie Crust for this Recipe?
Yes, I don’t see why not! I have not tried a graham cracker crust, but imagine it would be a delicious option!
This easy chocolate chess pie recipe is so delicious you’ll become hooked after just one bite. Rich and decadent are the best two words to describe this chocolate chess pie from an old family recipe.
- 1 Unbaked pie shell
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp cocoa
- 1-1/3 c sugar
- 5 oz evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 stick butter, softened
- pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350. Prick the pie shell a few times with a fork and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.
Using a wire whisk, mix remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour into pie shell. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
RECIPE NOTE: The pie filling won't be thick before baking; in fact, it will be quite liquidy. This is OK! After the pie bakes and cools, it will thicken nicely.
You May Want to Try Some of my other Dessert Recipes:
Brownie Trifle with Toffee Bits
Italian Cream Cake Cookie Bars
For delicious entree recipes, please check out these easy recipes:
One Pan Yogurt Marinated Chicken and Potatoes
Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Ultimate Blue Cheese Stuffed Hamburgers
Please leave me a comment if you make this recipe. I’d love to hear from you.
Yum delicious! And so easy!
It is very easy and sooo good!
Unbelievably delicious! So easy to make.